Thinking on Your Feet
thinking skills programme... For anyone who regularly is confronted with the need to think on their feet, and would like access to tools, tips and techniques to develop this skill.
90 minute, half & full day workshops
Problem Solving Courses & Training
For many managers, their day is driven by the need to solve problems. These training courses offer key skills and techniques that may help.
It's usually easier to recognise a problem than to solve it. But most problems won't go away of their own accord, so it is important not to avoid them, but to either solve the problem or minimise its impact until a full solution can be found. That's what these training courses are all about.
View availability & book online.
Ready to book? You can now book online. Pay now or later by invoice - your choice.
view availability & bookProblem Solving Workshop Content
Introduction
So, what makes a problem a problem?... and how do you tackle problems - logically or creatively... or both?
Systems 1 & 2
There are two main ways, or systems, which we use to make decisions, and thus tackle or solve problems. Which do you tend to use - and is it the best choice?
Perception
A looks at why different perspectives occur and the impact this has on the way we think and act; is it possible that some problems are more to do with perception than reality?
Logical techniques
Here are 4 practical techniques that use logical and analytical thinking to help you solve problems...
Creativity techniques
...and here are 4 other ways to generate creative ideas and ways of thinking - perhaps particularly helpful if logical thinking has so far failed to provide a solution...
Coaching techniques
The courses will also introduce two coaching techniques that are really helpful for solving personal problems or issues: BANDA and SELF.
Who is problem solving training for?
Our problem solving courses are ideal for anyone who would like to feel more confident in solving problems, and have access to a range of techniques and skills that will help. They are particularly helpful for anyone who wants to:
Know the type of problem they are dealing with, and how to define it.
Understand the role that perception plays in identifying and defining a problem, and searching for a solution.
Increase their stock of logical problem solving techniques.
Increase their stock of creative problem solving techniques.
Prefer to talk to a human?
We'd love to (e)meet you. Book a video call now and we can have a vitual coffee and chat about what you're looking for.
schedule a chatProblem Solving Workshop Activities
The 90-minute short course will provide an overview of how we define problems, and how perception can be crucial in this. It will explain and demonstrate the 2 systems that dominate our thinking, and the effect they have on any approach to problem solving. It will also explain and demonstrate the difference between logical and creative problem solving, with an example of each. The half day will extend this, by introducing further examples of logical and creative techniques. It will also offer two additional techniques normally used in a coaching process. The full day will provide all participants with the opportunity to try and then discuss all 10 techniques, and see which if any offer helpful additions to their personal problem solving stock.
Never 'death by powerpoint'
We always provide a variety of learning approaches in each of our workshops.
Each workshop typically includes learning input from the trainer, supported by a range of mixed media, interactive elements, discussion and group work. Most workshops also include case work and practical skill-development activities to apply the learning, with more time dedicated to this in the longer courses.
'Want more?' resource pack
In addition to providing a copy of any slide deck, we always provide a ‘want more’ section, of curated resources including book summaries, podcasts, downloads and articles.
solo activities
your ideas & suggestions
facilitation
puzzles & games
casework
core learning input
open discussion
My attention can easily wander, but this was never the case here, largely due to the variety of learning approaches used. Never a dull moment!
What are the benefits of problem solving training?
Additional techniques to help with a range of problems
More options, particularly to address 'sticky' problems
More confidence in problem solving
Likelihood that more problems get solved
Problem Solving Course Frequently Asked Quesitons
What's the difference between logical and creative problem solving?
These courses will explain the difference in more detail, but essentially a logical approach uses a funnel approach to 'drill down' into the problem or issue, whereas a creative approach tends to work in the opposite direction - opening out the thinking into new and fresh ways of thinking.
Which approach is the best to take?
There isn't always an obvious technique to use; good problem solvers tend to be like plumbers or electricians: they have a box or bag of tools, and use them singly or in combination to get the job done. Not every tool, or technique, will be used all the time - but they know how to use each of them should the situation require it.
What if the problem can't be fixed?
That's possible, in which case attention should be paid to minimising the impact or consequences of the problem - which may of course become problems in themselves, but problems over which you have some degree of control.
Which of these problem solvingcourses should I take?
This depends on your current state of knowledge, and how important it is to practice any new technique. If knowledge is low, but there's no need to spend time practicing, then the short, or probably the half-day course would be the right choice. But if it's important to put the new knowledge into practice, then the full day would be a better choice. Problem solved?!
Related courses & resources...
Decision Making
decision making training... For anyone who wants either ‘to review what’s out there’ in terms of decision-making techniques, or who wishes to improve their way of making any decision.
Creativity & Innovation
innovation training... For anyone who wants to develop a more creative and innovative culture in their team or organisation… or wishes to improve their own creativity and innovative thinking ability.
Top Ten Tips on...
Creative Thinking
Creativity is an increasingly valued skill, and something we can all learn. Here are 10 suggestions that can help...
The Tea and the Stick
'The Tea and the Stick'
Two choices - both equally problematic. Which would you choose? A really good example of thinking outside the box, and challenging assumptions...
Top Ten Tips on...
What’s Stopping You…?
Ten top tips focusing on the barriers we often have to overcome (and many of which are of our own making) in achieving what we want to achieve.
Don't like to email?...
That's ok. We love to pick up the phone.
... Or you can message us on whatsapp.
We'd love to e-meet you... let’s go for a virtual coffee :)
For workshops and coaching sessions, you can check availability & book using the form below. Pay now online, or later by invoice - it's up to you.
